Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) Exam Book Package

Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) Exam Book Package

The Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) Exam Book Package is designed for candidates preparing for the Arizona residential and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, and solar contractor exam path. This package brings together key references for OSHA construction safety, fuel gas systems, mechanical systems, plumbing code, refrigeration, air conditioning, boilers, and duct sizing. These materials support organized study for candidates working toward a dual residential and commercial contractor classification.

The CR-79 classification is a dual residential and commercial classification. That means candidates should prepare for a wide range of HVAC and refrigeration subjects that may apply across residential and commercial work. Study areas may include refrigeration, comfort cooling, evaporative cooling, warm air heating, fuel gas piping, ventilation, ductwork, controls, motors, boilers, water piping, steam, hot water, chilled water, condensing water, testing, balancing, inspection, sizing, estimating, and solar-related system knowledge.

This exam book package is useful for HVAC professionals, refrigeration technicians, service technicians, installers, mechanical contractors, solar thermal workers, and qualifying parties preparing for the Arizona CR-79 exam path. The references included in this package help candidates review both code-based material and practical trade concepts. For an open book exam, candidates need more than access to the right books. They need to know how the books are organized, where major topics are located, and how to find information quickly during a timed exam.

Open book contractor exams reward preparation. Candidates should not wait until exam day to become familiar with the references. A stronger study plan includes reading the exam outline, reviewing each book, learning chapter layouts, creating approved permanent tabs, highlighting useful sections before the exam, and practicing timed lookup. The better a candidate understands the references before testing, the more confidently they can work through questions that require code navigation, trade knowledge, or both.

The Arizona CR-79 Exam Book Package helps candidates build that structure. OSHA supports jobsite safety preparation. The International Fuel Gas Code supports fuel gas piping, venting, combustion air, and gas-fired equipment topics. The International Mechanical Code supports HVAC, refrigeration, ventilation, duct, hydronic, combustion air, and mechanical installation topics. The International Plumbing Code supports water piping and plumbing-related system preparation. Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning supports HVAC and refrigeration trade knowledge. Low Pressure Boilers supports boiler and hydronic heating review. The Ductulator supports duct sizing, airflow, friction rate, and practical HVAC sizing concepts.

Exam Details

The Arizona air conditioning and refrigeration, including solar exam path includes air conditioning and refrigeration trade content along with solar-related content. The air conditioning and refrigeration trade examination includes 80 questions, a 210-minute time limit, and a minimum passing score of 70%.

The air conditioning and refrigeration exam content outline includes refrigeration, air conditioning, warm air heating, controls and motors, boilers, ventilation, evaporative coolers, fuel piping systems, water piping systems, steam, hot, chilled, and condensing water, testing, balancing, inspection, sizing, and estimating. These topics give candidates a practical roadmap for organizing study time and deciding which references to review first.

The solar portion includes 30 questions and a 75-minute time limit. Solar exam topics include collection loops, components, installation, maintenance, mounting, principles, and solar systems piping. Candidates preparing for the CR-79 classification should be ready to study HVAC and refrigeration systems along with solar-related system knowledge that connects to the classification.

The exam may include direct reference lookup questions, practical trade knowledge questions, and questions that require a candidate to identify which reference applies to the situation. For example, a fuel gas piping question may point toward the International Fuel Gas Code. A ventilation, duct, combustion air, or refrigeration code question may point toward the International Mechanical Code. A water piping question may point toward the International Plumbing Code. A safety question may point toward OSHA. Trade knowledge questions may require understanding from Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Low Pressure Boilers, or duct sizing practice.

Candidates should plan to study both the books and the trade concepts behind the questions. Code references help with lookup, but many exam questions require the candidate to understand the system well enough to locate the right section or apply the correct rule. This is especially important on a timed exam where guessing the wrong book can waste valuable minutes.

Open Book Test

The Arizona air conditioning and refrigeration, including solar contractor exam path uses approved references for open book testing. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references to the examination center and following the current testing rules for book preparation and permitted materials.

For the air conditioning and refrigeration portion, the exam-room-approved references include Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), International Fuel Gas Code, 2018, International Mechanical Code, 2018, and International Plumbing Code, 2018. These references support safety, fuel gas, mechanical, plumbing, water piping, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, duct, hydronic, and related code questions.

Reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the exam session. Candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or index the books during the exam. This means book organization must be completed before test day. Markings should be clear, useful, and focused on helping the candidate locate information quickly.

References may be tabbed with permanent tabs only. Permanent tabs are tabs that would tear the page if removed. Temporary tabs, removable notes, sticky notes, and tabs that can be removed without tearing the page are not allowed. Candidates should check their books before exam day and remove any temporary tabs or loose materials that are not permitted.

A silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator may be used in the examination center. Candidates should also follow testing center procedures for identification, check-in, personal belongings, permitted materials, and conduct during the examination.

Several items in this package are valuable study references rather than exam-room-approved references for the main trade exam. Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Low Pressure Boilers, and the Ductulator help strengthen technical preparation and practical trade understanding. They support review of refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, boiler systems, airflow, duct sizing, controls, motors, system operation, inspection, balancing, estimating, and related HVAC concepts.

Licensing Steps

Arizona contractor licensing is handled through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. A candidate pursuing the Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) license should begin by confirming that the CR-79 dual classification matches the work the business intends to perform.

After identifying the proper classification, the candidate should review the required examination path. Arizona contractor licensing may include trade examination requirements, statutes and rules requirements, qualifying party requirements, experience requirements, bonding, business entity information, and application documentation. This book package supports the technical study portion of that licensing process.

The qualifying party is responsible for demonstrating the knowledge and experience required for the license classification. Candidates should prepare for the required trade examination using the approved references and supporting study materials included in this package. After preparation, the candidate can schedule testing through the proper examination process and complete the exam according to current testing procedures.

Once examination requirements are satisfied, the applicant continues through the Arizona contractor license application process. This may include submitting the correct license application, naming the qualifying party, meeting experience requirements, obtaining any required bond, and satisfying other state licensing requirements that apply to the classification and business structure.

This exam book package does not replace the state licensing application. It supports preparation for the trade exam by giving candidates the references needed to review major HVAC, refrigeration, solar-related, fuel gas, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, duct, and OSHA safety topics connected to the Arizona CR-79 classification.

State Requirements

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues residential, commercial, and dual contractor license classifications. The CR-79 classification is a dual residential and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration, including solar classification. Candidates preparing for this license should understand both the residential and commercial sides of the work scope.

The residential side of the classification includes installation and repair of comfort air conditioning systems, including refrigeration, evaporative cooling, ventilating, and heating equipment. It also includes installation and repair of machinery, units, accessories, refrigerator rooms, insulated refrigerated spaces, and controls in refrigerators. When necessary, a new circuit may be added to an existing service panel or sub-panel, but installation of a new service panel or sub-panel is excluded.

The commercial side of the classification includes installation, alteration, and repair of refrigeration and evaporative cooling systems. It also includes heating systems of wet, dry, or radiant type; ventilation systems; ductwork; air filtering devices; water treatment devices; pneumatic or electrical controls; control piping; thermal and acoustical insulation of refrigerant pipes and ductwork; vibration isolation materials and devices; fuel piping; water and gas piping from the service connection to the equipment served; and testing and balancing of refrigerant, cooling, heating, and air handling systems.

The “including solar” portion adds solar-related preparation to the classification. Candidates should be familiar with solar system principles, collection loops, system components, installation, maintenance, mounting, and solar piping. These topics may connect to water movement, piping, mechanical equipment, controls, and system integration.

For study purposes, candidates should connect the license scope to the exam outline. Refrigeration and air conditioning questions may involve system components, refrigerant cycle knowledge, equipment operation, installation practices, mechanical code requirements, and troubleshooting concepts. Fuel gas questions may involve gas piping, venting, combustion air, appliance connections, pressure testing, and safe installation. Plumbing and water piping questions may involve piping materials, system connections, water distribution, and related code requirements. Boiler questions may involve steam, hot water, controls, safety devices, fittings, valves, and safe operating principles.

Reference Books

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This construction safety reference supports preparation for OSHA-related exam content, including jobsite safety, hazard recognition, fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, tools, material handling, and safe construction practices.
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2018
  This fuel gas code reference supports study for gas piping, pipe sizing, combustion air, venting, appliance installation, pressure testing, clearances, gas-fired equipment, and safety requirements related to fuel gas systems.
• International Mechanical Code, 2018
  This mechanical code reference supports preparation for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, duct systems, exhaust systems, combustion air, refrigeration, hydronic piping, equipment installation, and mechanical system compliance.
• International Plumbing Code, 2018
  This plumbing code reference supports study for plumbing system requirements, water piping, drainage concepts, fixture connections, piping materials, system installation, and code provisions related to mechanical and solar thermal work.
• Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition
  This HVAC trade reference supports study of refrigeration and air conditioning principles, system components, compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, controls, motors, heating, ventilation, electrical concepts, and practical service knowledge.
• Low Pressure Boilers, 5th Edition
  This boiler reference supports study of low pressure steam and hot water systems, boiler operation, safety devices, controls, piping, fittings, maintenance, combustion, and related heating system concepts.
• Ductulator
  This duct sizing tool supports practice with airflow, duct dimensions, friction rate, velocity, and practical HVAC sizing concepts used in duct design, estimating, inspection, and balancing preparation.

Exam Room Approved Books

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This reference may be used in the exam room for construction safety questions when prepared according to testing center rules.
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2018
  This reference may be used in the exam room for fuel gas questions, including gas piping, combustion air, venting, appliance installation, gas-fired equipment, and pressure testing.
• International Mechanical Code, 2018
  This reference may be used in the exam room for mechanical code questions, including HVAC equipment, ventilation, duct systems, refrigeration, hydronic piping, combustion air, and equipment installation requirements.
• International Plumbing Code, 2018
  This reference may be used in the exam room for plumbing code questions, including water piping, system installation, plumbing requirements, and related code provisions that support mechanical and solar thermal work.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong study plan should begin with the exam content outlines. Candidates should divide preparation across air conditioning and refrigeration topics and solar-related topics. The main trade exam includes refrigeration, air conditioning, warm air heating, controls and motors, boilers, ventilation, evaporative coolers, fuel piping, water piping, steam and hot water systems, chilled and condensing water, testing, balancing, inspection, sizing, and estimating. The solar portion includes collection loops, components, installation, maintenance, mounting, principles, and solar systems piping.

When studying the International Mechanical Code, candidates should focus on how the book is organized. Important areas include general mechanical requirements, ventilation, exhaust systems, duct systems, combustion air, chimneys and vents, refrigeration, hydronic piping, and equipment installation. Candidates should practice using the index, definitions, tables, and chapter headings to locate information quickly.

When studying the International Fuel Gas Code, candidates should review gas piping systems, pipe sizing, appliance installation, combustion air, venting, pressure testing, shutoff valves, connectors, clearances, and fuel gas safety requirements. Fuel gas questions often require careful reading because the answer may depend on equipment type, piping material, system condition, venting method, or installation location.

When studying the International Plumbing Code, candidates should focus on water piping, piping materials, system installation, general plumbing requirements, fixture and equipment connections, and code topics that connect to mechanical and solar thermal work. Plumbing code knowledge is especially useful for questions involving water movement, system connections, piping, and related installation requirements.

When studying OSHA, candidates should focus on safety requirements that apply to HVAC, refrigeration, mechanical, and solar work on construction jobsites. This may include ladders, scaffolds, fall protection, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, hand and power tools, material handling, electrical safety awareness, and general safe work practices.

Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning supports the technical side of preparation. Candidates should review refrigeration cycles, compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices, refrigerants, heat transfer, motors, electrical controls, heating systems, ventilation, and troubleshooting concepts. These topics help candidates understand the systems behind exam questions that are not simple code lookup questions.

Low Pressure Boilers supports preparation for boiler-related topics. Candidates should review steam and hot water boiler systems, boiler safety, pressure and temperature concepts, controls, fittings, valves, piping, combustion, maintenance, and safe operation. Boiler questions may require both technical understanding and practical field judgment.

The Ductulator supports preparation for airflow and duct sizing questions. Candidates should understand the relationship between airflow, duct size, friction rate, velocity, fittings, static pressure, and system performance. Duct knowledge is useful for ventilation, balancing, inspection, sizing, estimating, and system performance questions.

For the solar portion, candidates should review solar system principles, collection loops, system components, mounting, installation, maintenance, and solar systems piping. Solar-related preparation should connect system design concepts with practical installation knowledge, piping layout, component function, safe work practices, and integration with water or mechanical systems.

Preparation should include repeated timed lookup practice. Candidates should read a question, identify the topic, select the most appropriate reference, and locate the answer efficiently. This routine helps build confidence and supports stronger performance in an open book testing environment.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps contractor candidates prepare with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, and exam preparation resources built around licensing exams. For the Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) exam, candidates need a strong understanding of HVAC and refrigeration systems, solar-related content, and approved reference navigation.

This book package supports that preparation by giving candidates the core references needed for structured study. The code books help candidates prepare for open book exam navigation. The trade references help reinforce the technical knowledge behind refrigeration, air conditioning, boilers, airflow, duct sizing, controls, motors, fuel piping, water piping, testing, balancing, inspection, sizing, estimating, and solar-related systems.

1 Exam Prep focuses on practical preparation. Candidates should know where information is located, how the books are organized, and which reference applies to each topic. With consistent review, proper book organization, and practice-oriented study, candidates can approach the Arizona CR-79 exam with a clearer strategy and stronger confidence.

For open book exams, confidence comes from familiarity. Candidates who organize their references, study the trade topics, and practice timed lookup are better prepared for the testing experience. The goal is not to promise a specific result. The goal is to support realistic preparation through structured review, reference navigation, trade-focused study, and confidence-building exam readiness.

FAQ Section

What books are included in this Arizona CR-79 Exam Book Package?

This package includes Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), International Fuel Gas Code, 2018, International Mechanical Code, 2018, International Plumbing Code, 2018, Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 22nd Edition, Low Pressure Boilers, 5th Edition, and a Ductulator.

Is the Arizona CR-79 exam open book?

Yes. The Arizona air conditioning and refrigeration, including solar contractor exam path uses approved references for open book testing. Candidates must bring their own approved references and follow exam center rules for tabs, highlighting, annotations, and permitted materials.

How many questions are on the air conditioning and refrigeration exam?

The air conditioning and refrigeration trade exam includes 80 questions. The time allowed is 210 minutes, and the minimum passing score is 70%.

How many questions are on the solar exam?

The solar exam includes 30 questions and a 75-minute time limit. Solar topics include collection loops, components, installation, maintenance, mounting, principles, and solar systems piping.

Which books are approved for the exam room?

The exam-room-approved references for the air conditioning and refrigeration portion include Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), International Fuel Gas Code, 2018, International Mechanical Code, 2018, and International Plumbing Code, 2018.

Are Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Low Pressure Boilers, and the Ductulator study references?

Yes. These materials help strengthen trade knowledge for refrigeration, HVAC systems, boilers, airflow, duct sizing, estimating, inspection, and balancing. Candidates should separate study references from approved exam-room references when preparing for test day.

Can I mark my books before exam day?

Yes. References may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the exam session. Candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or index the books during the exam.

Are removable tabs allowed in the exam books?

No. Temporary tabs, removable notes, and removable sticky tabs are not allowed. Permanent tabs are allowed when they would tear the page if removed.

Who should use this Arizona CR-79 Exam Book Package?

This package is intended for candidates preparing for the Arizona Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-79) exam and for professionals who want focused references for residential and commercial HVAC, refrigeration, mechanical code, fuel gas, plumbing, boilers, ducts, OSHA safety, and solar-related preparation.